Eco-tourism Lodges and Resorts in The Gambia Project Profile

Transcription

1 Eco-tourism Lodges and Resorts in The Gambia Project Profile April 03

2 Why The Gambia? Situated on the Atlantic coast and with a navigable river that flows more than,00km inland, The Gambia is the ideal, convenient landing spot in sub-saharan Africa for eco-tourism and inland exploration This document outlines:. The market opportunity for investment in eco-tourism lodges and resorts. The favourable conditions available to eco-tourism investors 3. The support investors can expect to receive The most competitive destination in West Africa 80km of pristine coastline and a navigable, unspoilt river The world s nd most price competitive destination for Travel & Tourism Winner of multiple eco-tourism awards. World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 0-3. World Economic Forum Africa Competitiveness Report 0 Source: British Foreign & Commonwealth Office website

3 Economic indicators GDP: US$75mn in 0 predicted rise to $94mn by 05 GDP growth: 3.3% in 0 predicted annual growth average of 5.9% between 0-05 Country risk: Lower risk level (yellow) than all neighbouring countries and in the same category as Sierra Leone, Ghana, Togo and Benin CPI Inflation (0): 4.4% Exports / Imports value (0) : - Exports: $94.7mn - Imports: $343.69mn 3 Labour force (008) : 400,000 3 FDI stock and inflows (0): $703mn stock / $36mn inflows Currency exchange rates 0 highs (H) and lows (L): GMD/USD: (H) / 0.09 (L) GMD/GBP: 0.0 (H) / 0.08 (L) GMD/EUR: 0.08 (H) / 0.0 (L) IMF World Economic Outlook. Real GDP (constant prices). Accessed: 8//3. Maplecroft Political Risk 0. Accessed: 8//3 3. Access Gambia. Accessed: 8//3 4. UN Comtrade. Accessed: //3 5. UNCTAD Stat. Accessed: //3 6. Oanda.com. Accessed: 9/4/3

4 The Gambia s eco-tourism sector 5-7 hours from most of Europe by air, The Gambia is fortunate to have a rare combination of attributes that make the country a world-class eco-tourism destination The Gambia s navigable, unspoilt river, coupled with unique cultural and wildlife attractions, make it the ideal eco-tourism landing spot for Sub- Saharan Africa With a proud 30-year track record as a leading West African destination and a proven successful track record in eco-tourism, The Gambia s Government is committed to cementing the country s position as a world-class destination KEY FACTS: Tourism a key priority sector: Accounts for 6,000 jobs (formal and informal) Contributes about % of GDP 00,000 tourists per year Repeat tourists: 40% Predicted tourism growth rate: 3.7% until 08 Resort labour costs around 0% of total 3 hotel costs (compared with international 4 average of +40%) tourism students graduate each year. Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment: Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) 0-5, 0. GIEPA Tourism Investment Brochure 0 3. Gambia Tourism Board. Interviewed: // 4. PKF Consulting Hospitality Research 0. Accessed: 0/3/3

5 Locations and infrastructure The West Coast and broader Western Region, home to existing eco-tourism centres, are easily reachable from Banjul International Airport Banjul Airport has undergone a US$ million modernisation and the Government is continuing to upgrade the infrastructure. Passenger traffic at the airport reached 38, 40 in 0 a 5% 3 increase on 00 s figures The north- and south-bank roads along the navigable river ensure easy access from the rest of the country. GIEPA Investment Guide 0. The Gambia Trade Policy 0 3. The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). As reported in The Daily Observer, // Source: Access Gambia. Accessed: /3/3

6 Tourists in The Gambia The vast majority of tourists in the Gambia tend to come from Northern Europe The UK is typically the largest source market by far. The chart to the right shows the principal source markets between January and October 0.The Netherlands and to a lesser extent Sweden, Germany, Spain and Belgium are also important markets 7% 8% 6% 5% 4% % 59% UK Netherlands Sweden Germany Spain Many of these core markets have a strong affinity with eco-tourism and environmentally-friendly, sustainable lifestyles. This reinforces The Gambia s potential as a centre for eco-tourism in West Africa Belgium Other. Gambia Tourism Board. Visitor statistics from January October 0. The UK, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands all featured among the top 0 markets globally in Yale University s 0 Environmental Performance Index. Accessed: 4/3/3

7 Direct flights to The Gambia Direct flights currently link The Gambia to numerous countries in West Africa, North Africa and Western and Northern Europe Sixteen commercial airlines currently fly to Banjul International Airport the most recent addition (Spain s Vueling) commenced operations in spring 03 Key major European cities such as London, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Manchester and Birmingham all have direct flights to Banjul. Corporate announcement on Vueling s website from 7/0/. Accessed: 4/3/3.

8 Nature Reserves and Parks The Gambia is home to rich and diverse wildlife that attract eco-tourists year after year. Principal nature reserves include the following : Bijilo Forest Park Abuko Nature Reserve Baobolong Wetland Reserve Kiang West National Park River Gambia National Park Tanji River Bird Reserve Covers 5 hectares and is easily accessible with its location in Kololi along the coast and the Senegambia tourist area. Popular for its birds and monkeys. Covers 05 hectares in Western Gambia. The reserve protects a large tract of gallery forest, and it is particularly noted for its bird and monkey populations. Located on the northern bank of the Gambia River in central Gambia, opposite Kiang West. This wetland covers,000 hectares. Located on the southern bank of the river in central Gambia. Its,000 hectares are dominated by dry woodland vegetation, with mangroves and mud flats. It is a 580 hectare park covering five mid-river islands near Georgetown in eastern Gambia. It was established mainly as a rehabilitation sanctuary for chimpanzees. Located on the coast. Its 6 hectares include dunes, lagoons, mangroves, dry woodland and is popular for the variety of birds which can be seen in the reserve.. Information from the Gambia Tourism Board, via visitthegambia.gm site. Accessed: /3/3.

9 The Gambia s eco-tourism community The Gambia is already home to a developed community of stakeholders in the eco-tourism industry (including businesses, industry associations and representative groups). A few examples of these organisations are displayed below The presence of these businesses and supportive organisations demonstrates The Gambia s attractiveness and potential as a prime location in West Africa for eco-tourism development EXAMPLES OF ORGANISATIONS: Gambia Tourism Board Sandele Eco-Retreat Kartong Association for Responsible Tourism (KART) Tumani Tenda Eco- Tourism Camp Mandina River Lodge (Makasutu Cultural Forest) Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) It was not a question of whether tourism was going to come to Kartong, but when. So we thought, perhaps we can start this region off in a slightly different way, proposing an alternative kind of tourism Geri Mitchell, Proprietor, Sandele Eco-Retreat

10 Availability of incentives A host of incentives are available to investors in ecotourism accommodation, provided certain criteria relating to investment value and job creation are met. These incentives include: Tax holiday: tax breaks on corporate and turnover tax, withholding tax on dividends and depreciation allowance for period of 5-8 years, depending on the project s location Import Sales Tax Incentives: Exemption from payment of import sales tax on direct inputs for the project Free land: Under The Gambia s Tourism Development Area (TDA) initiative, investors in eco-tourism accommodation can be offered land for free if the investment is in a TDA. To access incentives, a new investment must be worth at least US$50,000 and lead to the creation of at least three jobs in the tourism sector. Source: GIEPA Regulations 0. More information on criteria available from GIEPA.

11 Operating costs The Gambia has by far the most efficient labour market in West Africa and offers competitive costs in the hospitality sector Labour only accounts for around 0% of total resort costs, compared with an international average of 3 more than 40% INDICATIVE KEY COSTS: Average daily wages for unskilled labour hover 4 between US$-4 a day Energy: 0.40 GMD / kwh (hotel tariff) Water: 3.39 GMD / cubic metre (hotel tariff) Telecoms: - From 0.73 GMD / min Key taxes : - Corporate: 3% (exemption possible) - Income: up to 35% - VAT: 5%. World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report Gambia Hotel Association. Interviewed: // 3. PKF Consulting Hospitality Research 0. Accessed: 0/3/3 4. Program for Accelerated Growth and Employment GIEPA Investment Guide 0

12 Government policy position The Gambian Government recognizes the importance of private sector participation in the economy, both as an engine of growth and as a source of knowledge transfer The Government s tourism policy is guided by the Tourism Development Master Plan (TDMP), which emphasises growth, development and marketing of The Gambia as an interesting, attractive and exciting tourism destination. The TDMP identifies eco-tourism as one of the key niche markets that should prioritised for development Consistent with its tourism policy and the promotion of private sector development, the Government has established: Gambia Tourism Board (GTB) Gambia Hospitality and Tourism Institute (GHTI) 0 specific Tourism Development Areas (TDAs)

13 A helping hand every step of the way The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) is the Government Agency mandated to support companies with their investment, business and export development as well as support to MSMEs From the initial provision of information right through to supporting the establishment, growth and development of an investment project, GIEPA is your supporting partner for doing business in The Gambia every step of the way Here are just a few of the ways in which GIEPA can support your business: Provide all business-related information to current and potential investors Serve as the link between investors and authorities Help to identify joint venture partners Help to obtain licences, land, clearances etc. Provide advisory services and training to exporters Support companies planning to expand / diversify Provide ongoing assistance to companies once they ve started operations Administer and advise on incentives

14 Four Good Reasons to Choose The Gambia 3 4 COMPETITIVE TOURISM HOT-SPOT: World s nd most price-competitive market for Tourism (WEF) The most competitive country in West Africa (WEF) Predicted tourism growth rate of 3.7% until 08 Winner of multiple eco-tourism awards EXCELLENT ECO-TOURISM OFFER AND KNOW-HOW: 80km of pristine coastline and a navigable, unspoilt river Unique cultural and natural attractions Around 400 tourism graduates each year Most efficient labour market in West Africa (WEF) STRONG AND IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE: Banjul International Airport recently upgraded with US$ million investment, with 38,40 passengers in 0 North- and south-bank roads along the navigable river ensure easy access throughout the country ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVES, COMPETITIVE COSTS: Resort labour costs just 5% of the international average Strong political support for eco-tourism development Comprehensive guidance and support from GIEPA

15 For further information, contact: Chief Executive Officer Gambia Investment And Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) GIEPA House 48 Kairaba Avenue, Serrekunda, K.S.M.D., P.O.Box 757, Banjul, The Gambia Tel / 78